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American Value 4: The enemy is always evil Context: Burnett arrives at the pit of bodies and realises that he’s been there before. This is the place he was at the start of the film when he watched Bosnians plant trees.Key Points: the sight of the dead bodies makes Burnett flashback to his experiences of being there before. A series of clips of his memories are edited together to show that this place was once a place of peace and hopefulness before these deaths occurred. The two shot of the man and woman suggests that even such frail people were killed when the memories of the young soldier planting trees is interrupted with the Serb army arriving to execute him. The juxtaposition (placing images of peace alongside images of violence) is effective in representing this value.
American Value 4: The enemy is always evil Context: Burnett falls into the mass grave of Bosnians killed during genocide. He hides amongst the bodies. The Serbs view the grave from above as they try to find Burnett.Key points: The shot of the Serb Officer’s reaction to the mass grave helps to convey the horror of the situation as the placing of the tissue to his nose suggests that there is an awful smell. The image of the mounds of bodies is shot from Burnett’s point of view. This is perhaps the most shocking of the film and it certainly suggests that the enemy is evil. By describing this shot in detail you can show how the filmmakers successfully represent the Serbs as evil.
American Value 5: they are brave, determined and heroic Context: Burnett reaches the top of the mountain and he is about to cross the frozen lake to reconnect the beacon. Key Points: His bravery is suggested as he continues to walk across the pond even though he is aware that it is dangerous. The diegetic sound of the ice cracking below his feet suggests danger as the ice could break at any minute.
American Value 5: They are brave, determined and heroic Context: Reiggart disobeys orders and forms the final rescue squad that will successfully rescue Burnett. Key points: Dialogue is important in representing this value. Reiggart tells his troops that he is going to put them in danger and asks anyone who is unwilling to go to stand down. There is a long pause during which nobody says anything and we see close ups of determined faces.
American Values 5: They are brave, determined and heroic Context: Final sequence of the film. Burnett turns away from the helicopter and goes back for the photographs. Key points: this mid-shot of Burnett helps to emphasise his determination. The facial expression of gritted teeth and the outstretched arm emphasises that he is ready to attack. The camera then cuts away to the mass of Serb troops. The faact that he is facing such a large number, yet he is fearless, helps to convey this value.
American Value 6: They are strong, brave and heroic/America always wins Context; Burnett has evaded the Serbian troops and is being flown to safety by his comrades. Key points: The drama of the escape where Burnett is forced to leap to safety and is caught by the outstretched arm of Castro in a mid- air rescue adds drama. The close up on the hands of the two men as they connect emphasises team work while the difficult nature of the escape suggests bravery. This seen also connotes the idea that America has won as it brings the film to a balanced conclusion and emphasises the return to an equilibrium. This rescue reminds us of Burnett parachuting in past the statue. The fact that we see the statue from a long shot means that we cannot see the damage to its face – it now appears serene and angelic. This is symbolic of the fact that America has overpowered evil and restored a sense of calm to the world.
American Value 6: America always wins Context: Burnett escapes through the minefield. Following soldiers are killed.Key points: Burnett is shot in a mix of slow motion and normal time, running through the alley with bombs exploding behind him. The idea that America wins is suggested with the shot of the gun falling slowly to the ground. We can clearly see a coil hanging from the broken gun. This is accompanied with the diegetic sound of the gun breaking into pieces. This symbolises the idea that Burnett/America is winning as it is a Serbian gun that is falling to pieces just as their grip on the situation is loosening.
American Value 6: America always wins Context: The rescue mission is completed and they head back to base. Key Points: This ending makes the viewer think of traditional Hollywood endings where all is well and the hero rides into the sunset. Furthermore, the idea that the sun is setting suggests that the difficulties are all over and there will be a new sunset and new beginning soon. The music accompanying this shot is modern American pop and it is optimistic sounding.
Admiral, your holding a letter for me. I think I’d like to get it back. This is why they killed Stackhouse. American Value 5: they are strong, brave and heroic Context: Aboard the helicopter on the way back to the ship. Key Points: Dialogue suggests determination to do what’s right. Equally, Burnett’s new found commitment to the Navy is shown. The close up o the letter of resignation as Burnett crumples it up is particularly telling.
